WODONGA Council has taken an each-way punt on the Wodonga Cup public holiday by agreeing to a two-year extension for the event to 2018 on Monday night.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The council rejected a staff recommendation to cease the public holiday after this year’s meeting after Racing Wodonga had sought a five-year extension to guarantee its long-term success.
Cr Rod Wangman instigated the two-year extension for the public holiday in lieu of Melbourne Cup, but cautioned the event must win over sections of the community which remain opposed.
The survey of 500 residents found 64 per cent were opposed to the public holiday introduced in 2014.
A large contingent of Racing Wodonga committee members including president Kevin Richardson and general manager Tom O’Connor were in the public gallery as council voted 5-1 to back the two-year extension.
Mayor Anna Speedie opposed the extension.
“I believe this event in its own right is good enough to stand up by itself,” she said.
“The evidence the Albury Gold Cup shows is many, many of the participants in that event don’t reside in Albury and don’t receive a public holiday.”
Cr Wangman said the cup holiday had not been given a “fair go yet”.
“It is not going to succeed with community surveys if they wish to grow the event for their own purposes,” he said.
Cr John Watson acknowledged change was difficult, but said he was in support of a five-year extension.
“It is a good social event for our city which we don’t have a lot of on the city calendar,” he said.
Cr Mark Byatt said the cup holiday was entitled to more time to consolidate itself.
“One thing is certain, it must develop as a standalone marquee event for this region,” he said.
Cr Mike Fraser said if he was still on council in two years’ time and community feedback was negative he doubted he could guarantee his support.
This year eight other non-metropolitan councils will be having public holidays for local events in lieu of Melbourne Cup.
Mr Richardson said the club acknowledged council’s good faith in approving a further two years for the holiday.
“It now gives the club three cups – 2016, 2017 and 2018 – to continue the grow the event,” he said.
“Racing Wodonga looks forward to continuing to work closely with council, the business community and public to make the day a showpiece for Wodonga.
“Racing Wodonga acknowledges the challenges tabled by council and will ensure measures are put in place to deliver a great event for the city of Wodonga.”
Council must approve the holiday before being gazetted by state government.
